October 19, 2014

Another month has sped by again.   It’s been a full, challenging and exciting month!

Our schedule is ever-changing to meet the needs of the people we minister to.  It keeps things exciting as we see how God is leading us month by month, week by week and even day by day.  Some call it being flexible, some call it being fluid.  I call it being obedient and hanging on with all my might!!! 

The Creative Skills Classes (aka sewing/crafts classes) are growing and evolving and we are getting more structure down now that we see who God is bringing into our fold.  It’s exciting to meet the new ladies and spend time each week with them all.  We’ve met some pretty talented gals!  Some of them are already making a little money from their handcrafts.  What a blessing!

We have two wonderful volunteer teachers, Enia and Veronica.  I am so blessed to get to spend time with these two precious ladies!  We all love the Lord more than anything and we love using the skills that God blesses us with.  I praise God all the time for bringing these ladies into this ministry with me.

We have all been busy these last 3 weeks making items for me to bring to the States for sale.  It will be awesome to hand over the money earned to each of the artisans!  They are anxious for my return on Nov 12!  I’ve had a blast making things myself, which will help to support the ministry and support me personally.  I thank God for the opportunity and the skills to be able to support myself so that I can stay out on the field serving Him.  And I have so much fun doing it!

Sofia, my unofficial adopted teen daughter, found out that her baby is a girl and she is planning on naming her Victoria Antonela.  Victoria will be arriving the end of January (or first of February, if she follws Nica time).  I can’t wait to meet her!  Sofia is still cleaning a house part-time for now, but will soon have to quit that job.  She will be able to work part-time in the little store that God has made available to us to sell the handcrafts.  As she is working, she can be making more items to sell.  She will be able to take Victoria to work with her, too.  We are very thankful for this wonderful opportunity that God is providing for now and the future!

On a personal note, I am starting the process to get my Nicaraguan residency.  (this has nothing to do with citizenship, so I’m still North American!!)  When I’m in Nica, I am here on a 90 tourist visa.  I have the option to extend this visa for 90 more days and then I have to leave the country and return.  The immigration portion of the government is getting more strict with us who ‘live’ here and have asked that we get our residency.  It’s a long process of documents and red tape, but it’s doable.  Having my residency will give me some benefits.  I will get to stay in-country as long as I want and will just have to renew the residency every year.  After 5 years, I will get start getting residency status for 5 years at a time.  Being a resident will allow me to open a bank account here, as well as a few other perks to make life a little easier.  As with everything in a third world country, the process is long, uncertain, ever-changing and quite the adventure.  But it will be worth it!  Especially, since I won’t have to fork out $800 every three-six months for plane tickets!

I’ve really enjoyed the different Bible Studies that I get to be a part of.  I’m finishing up the Gideon study by Priscilla Shirer and it is hitting the spot for the things that God has in the works for the rest of this year and looking forward to 2015.  I feel God making some big changes for next year and I’m ready for the challenge!  I’m learning to trust Him more and more.  It’s not always easy (or fun), but it is always a blessing, because I’m growing closer to Him and learning so much on the way.  He is faithful!

I’ll be in Rogers AR from Oct 21 to Nov 12.  Those 3 weeks will be action-packed, even though I wasn’t starting out that way.  So much to do and so many people to see.  God will plan the days and I will hang on for the ride.  It will definitely feel like a ‘trip’ to the States, as I feel more and more ‘at home’ here in Nica.  And that’s okay.  In fact, it’s great!  I love living in God’s will!

Anyway, if you are in NWA and want to get together between those dates, please contact me!  Email at vickiejocline@yahoo.com or call/text at 479-270-0727.  I can’t wait to share about what God is doing here at Living Grace!!!

To HIM be all glory and honor and praise and thanksgiving!

September 22, 2014

Just a quick update while I’m sitting here on the computer this afternoon…

The time is flying by so quickly, I just can’t wrap my head around it all.

God is so faithful!  The vision that He put in my heart and mind in January has grown and blossomed into His plan and is still multiplying.  What an honor to get to see it all unfold from right in the middle of things!

Our weekly schedule is somewhat flexible and gets pushed and pulled in different ways each week, to allow for ministry and cultural influences.  The main objective is to be prepared for anything and follow HIS lead in everything.

We have some type of class going on each of 6 days a week.  I have had requests for classes on Sundays, but that is a day that I protect for honoring God with rest and worship.  The other days are very busy and full.  Language classes, Bible Study classes, Sewing/skills classes, Bible Study over Skype, meetings, visits and prayer time.  It fills up quickly.  The key is not to be ‘busy doing things’, but to be ‘obedient in His directions’.  We pray over a balance of that. 

I’m thankful that God has been prodding me along to carve out time for some early morning walks before the busy-ness begins.  I still juggle some things, like finding time for cooking (more than just for survival), sewing personal projects, reading special books, laundry, correspondence, personal Bible Study, visiting friends, etc.  But it all has a place and time and God is the creator and keeper of time, so I’m learning more and more to look to Him to plan my days and weeks.

I love being a part of so many different Bible Studies.  It is a wonderful time of learning for me.  I’m hungry and thirsty for God’s Word and so thankful that He makes a way for me to be fed in these ways.

I also love my church here in Nica, Iglesia Comunidad Cristiano.  It is very evangelistic and discipleship minded.  I’m blessed to get to provide a Bible Study for Young Ladies from our church.  I’ve gained a lot more unofficial daughters!  I spoke at the Youth service last Friday night and there was no translator.  So I did my best with my average, but improving, Spanish skills.  We made it through about 15-20 minutes without too much mishaps.  God is great in communicating between us. 

I’m so used to living in the midst of God’s will that I sometimes surprise myself when I remember that I’m physically living in Nica now.  I wonder why it doesn’t seem strange to me, but I think it’s because it’s HIS will and it just feels natural.  I love it.  It’s hard sometimes, but it is so worth it knowing that He’s leading me and all I have to do is hang on and be obedient!  Sometimes I hear Him tell me to ‘just BE’ and He’ll take care of the rest.  So, for each day, I just try to be ready for whatever He brings along. 

I’m so excited to see the women coming for the sewing/skills classes.  We have a new volunteer teacher, who knows how to do just about everything under the sun!  She has a wonderful heart for sharing Jesus, especially to hurting ladies and teens.  She has one of the sweetest spirits that I’ve every seen.  It’s such a blessing to work along side of her.  (I think God will have a section of heaven just for sewing and crafts and I’ll get to spend time with Veronica and others like her!  How fun!)

It warms my heart to see the look in the ladies’ eyes when I hand them money from the sales of their handcrafts.  I wish it would happen more, but each time it’s a treat!  They are so genuinely thankful to be able to help support their families.  I love being a part of this ministry!  And I can’t wait to see what all God has in store for us!

Time to get a little more work done before I switch to dinner and rest mode for the remainder of today.  Tomorrow is one of the days that classes start at 9:00am and the last one ends at 8:00pm.  But it such a fun day with the ladies! 

God is good!  All the time!

He is faithful and He is worthy of praise!

I love Him with all my heart.

Newsletter July-August 2014

Newsletter for July-August 2014

God has kept us busy these last 2 months and time is flying by!  Pray that we capture every moment for His service.  As I have said before, we have done our best to be obedient and follow Him and try not to get in His way!  All Glory and Honor goes to Him for Who He is and for furthering His Kingdom!

The first week of July, I finally got the chance to send out a Newsletter for the months of January-June.  (If you did not get that update, please let me know.)  We are working on ways to streamline communication and share more efficiently.  It’s always a blessing to share what God is doing.

            Celina spent 2 weeks of July with us as an intern and we had a wonderful time.  She got to experience real life here on the mission field, by helping prepare for classes, teaching crafts to kids, participating in Bible Study, doing projects for the mission house, accompanying other missionaries to experience other types of outreach, helping Sofia with English practice, running errands, exploring the city with other missionary teens, attending our church and many other things.  The weeks went by so fast.  She was a blessing to the ministry and myself.

                        We had a few visitors staying here at Living Grace House through July and part of August.  We are so thankful for the provision that God has given us to share with others.  Also, we have had lots of people drop in for chats, advice, fellowship, a shoulder to cry on, prayer, etc.  All are welcome here at Living Grace House!

            Sewing & Arts Classes are going like gangbusters!  The ladies are doing so great and learning so much!  Some of the items they have made are in the US and can be seen/purchased at Kirby’s Kupcakes (2^nd and Elm St, Rogers AR) or can be seen via Living Grace Ministry facebook page. 

(The items can be shipped anywhere in the states, so be sure to check them out and order something to help these families support themselves.)

            English Classes are very flexible and fluid.  Whenever there is a student available, we provide a teacher.  The students come and go, as per their opportunities for school and work change often.  Every moment spent with them is a treasure and a building block for them and their future.

            There are 4 different Bible Studies being taught through Living Grace Ministry.  The main one is the Foundations discipleship study, which is taught in English.  It has really been impactful and we are excited that God is calling leaders out from this group.  The other studies range from skype classes to small groups, and include A Confident Heart, The Call to Follow Christ, and Lies Young Women Believe (for teen girls).  Living Grace House is also hosting the Gideon Bible Study, taught by a fellow missionary for our missionary sisters serving here in León.  It is a great time of learning, fellowship and encouragement for those of us on the field.

            We are currently working on the Living Grace Ministry website.  Please be in prayer of this endeavor, as we rely on tech savvy people who are very busy in their own lives.  God will pull it all together and we can’t wait for the day when communication is so much easier!

            Thank You to all who support our ministry in prayer, communication, finances, encouragement, etc.  We can’t serve without you.  Romans 10:15 says ‘How can they go if they are not sent?’ and this verse reminds us that we are all part of this ministry together.  Help us share the news of what God is doing here.

                       

                       

All of the above details are just part of our Praise list.  Here are a few more Praises:

v Redeeming relationship with God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit

v Opportunities to serve and minister here in León

v Provision of the ministry house and all material blessings to make it work

v Teachers and Students interested and called to the classes

v Prayer partners and Support partners to lift up the ministry

v Network of ministries and missionaries in León to work with and encourage

Here are a few Prayer Requests to keep in mind for us:

v Protection from earthquakes, floods and mosquitoes (it’s the rainy season)

v Discernment in adding classes and scheduling the use of the ministry house

v Health and safety for all staff, volunteers, students and guests

v Continued financial provision to keep running month to month

v Resources for the sewing classes and Sources for marketing the goods

v Response of all who are called by God to be a part, in everyway, with the ministry

v Smart decisions for all regarding time management, health (spiritual & physical)

v Always watchful for opportunities to share the Gospel in anyway possible

v Blessings over the many ‘team members’ who support us in prayer and finances

If you would like more information about the ministry, please contact Vickie at vickiejocline@yahoo.com.  You can also follow us on Vickie’s blog:  vickiemir.blogspot.com

Donations may be made:

Ø  by mail or in person at FBC Rogers Church, 3364 W Pleasant Grove Rd, Rogers AR 72758 

Ø  on-line at fbcrogers.org. 

Be sure to note the donation is for Vickie Cline at Living Grace Ministry to receive a tax report at year’s end.

¡Dios le Bendiga!

Vickie

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,

faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10

July 14-August 10, 2014

Time is flying by again!  I hope people are following my facebook page and the Living Grace Ministry facebook page for updates.  I try to keep that current, even when I don’t get on this blog often.  I need to be more disciplined about time for documentation and correspondence!  Sometimes, I’m just too busy living life to be able to write about it.  Lol

I was blessed to have a young lady from my home church in Rogers AR come to work with me as an intern for two weeks.  Celina Undernehr has been to Nica twice and interned last year for voh.  This year, she got to stay with me at Living Grace House and experience the highs and lows, excitement and normalcy of living as a missionary in a third-world country. 

Celina helped me with organizing supplies for the arts classes, shared in the English Bible Study class, prepared and facilitated crafts for two children’s lessons for a friend’s ministry, accompanied another missionary friend to Managua to observe two other ministries that work with abandoned kids and survivors of the sex trade, met other missionaries in León, attended my church and the youth services there, hung out with some MKs living on my street, befriended Sofia (the teen girl living with me) and expanded their Spanish/English skills, helped with chores and special projects around the mission house, ran errands for the ministry and other miscellaneous things.  It was great to have her here and let her just live the life of a missionary.  She’s working on a project to provide school supplies and uniforms for kids in a very poor community to be able to go to school next year.  She started promoting that project before she even left for the states.  She’s planning on coming back in December to distribute the supplies for the school year, which starts in February.  She’s quite a gal!

The sewing classes have been going great.  We officially started in June and the ladies are learning a lot and making a lot of things.  Since Celina was heading to the states at the end of July, we spent a few weeks concentrating on making as many aprons and tote bags as we could.  We made 30 women’s aprons, 31 girl’s aprons, 27 doll aprons and 7 tote bags.  Celina took them to a friend of mine in Rogers AR, who will handle the sale of them in her cupcake shop.  We are very excited to have an opportunity for the ladies to make some money to invest in sewing machines of their own, materials and supplies of their own to start their own little business and to make money to provide for their families!  I’m so proud of these ladies.  And they have grown much in their self-confidence and worth as a person.  We listen to Spanish Christian music as we sew and we talk about our God.  It doesn’t feel like work at all. 

The items made by the ladies in the sewing classes can be seen on the Living Grace Ministry facebook page and, in person at Kirby’s Kupcakes in downtown Rogers AR.  They can be shipped to anywhere requested.  We have so many other things we want to make.  We will be finding an outlet here in León to sell things appropriate for here.  God is promising great things for these hard working ladies.  I’m so excited to be a part of it!

English classes are ebbing and flowing, which is normal for here.  We have had a few students need to drop out of class because they found jobs and that is wonderful for them to have employment!!!  Sometimes our teachers are unavailable because they have temporary work.  We just go with the flow.  Even an hour spent with one person is well worth the effort and we praise God for every opportunity to help someone better their lives.

The English Bible Study Group is changing as people’s schedules change.  We are having these classes on Friday mornings and Friday nights.  A few of the students are very serious about teaching the class when they are through with this round.  I’m excited to see the discipleship classes multiplying.  God is good!

This week, we are in the process of changing part-time housekeepers.  It’s always interesting to see who God brings through our doors.  Please be in prayer as we try to discern the right person for the job for this season.  The duties of the housekeeper are just to get the house cleaned once a day (Monday-Saturday) for classes.  All other household chores are mine to do (cooking, cleaning kitchen, laundry/sheets/towels, organizing, etc).  I like taking care of God’s house.  I also like having someone to help with the floors and windows.  And I love being able to help someone out with an income for their home.  It’s a blessing for us all!

Another Bible Study will be hosted here, starting in a few weeks.  It’s a class for women Missionaries, led by my friend Tamara Price.  We did a Beth Moore study last year.  This time it will be Patricia Shirer’s study on Gideon.  I can’t wait!  It will be fun to have the ladies in my home and will allow Tamara to get out herself and allow her family to have free reign in her home during the class time.  I’m thankful for all the ways that God uses Living Grace House to bless others.

I went last week to get my Visa extended for another 3 months in country.  I got the run around between the immigration office here in León and the main office in Managua.  FINALLY, I got the process going here in León and can stay until the end of October before having to travel to the US.  It’s cheaper to extend 3 months than it is to fly every 3 months.  But it is a hassle!  If you think that government bureaucracy is bad in the states, come to a third-world country/dictatorship and try to follow the rules!  But, I got it taken care of this time and they told me to start the process for residency.  I’m sure I will have to deal with that after the first of the year.  While I’m in the states later this year, I’ll start getting my paperwork together (birth certificate, police report, health report, etc).  We’ll see how crazy all of that gets!

My translator friend (and unofficial daughter), Jasmina, stayed here a few weeks off and on during the ‘tourist’ season of mission teams.  She came for a couple of overnight visits while seeing family and friends in León.  It was always great to have her near.  Her fiancé, Melvin, accompanied her on one trip, and I got to know him better.  She has a room here and is always welcome.  I have extra beds for other guests, too.  It’s a blessing to have people in the house.

My missionary friend, Jalissa, stayed here for 3 months.  She is now back in the states for 6 weeks.  It was fun to have her here, too. 

Sofia is still living here with me and will stay until she finishes this year of school in November.  Then she will travel to stay with her step-mother in Managua and have her baby.  She hopes to return to León in the future.  I don’t even want to think about how empty the house will feel without her.  I’m glad that we have had this time together.

I’m doing pretty well on my health.  When I behave myself and take care of my liver, I feel great.  But that is not always the case.  I just can’t wrap my head around that fact that taking care of myself isn’t selfish, that it’s important to be able to serve, too.  Pray over that for me, too!

I’m thankful for all that God has allowed in my life.  Living Grace Ministry is growing in depth and purpose.  We are touching lives in personal and focused ways.  I’m thankful to be called to serve in this way.

Sometimes I grow very weary, both physically and emotionally.  Especially, since I’m the main person running the ministry, fundraising, reporting, teaching most of the classes, and just dealing with life in general.  But I am weak and am only strong in Him and it glorifies Him when I share and praise Him for all He has done and is doing.

Keep the ministry and me in your prayers.  God is sovereign and faithful and I know that He directs our paths.  Pray that I don’t trip over my own feet when trying to follow Him.  Pray for provisions that He has planned.  I live on faith and nothing secure except my trust in Him.  He is all I need or want.  And I can’t wait to be with Him in Heaven!

Living Grace Update Jan-June 2014

Newsletter for June 2014

This is a recap of the first 6 months of Living Grace Ministry.  It’s hard to believe that it has been 6 months already.  God has been so busy putting this ministry together and orchestrating His plan.  We have done our best to be obedient and follow Him, as well as, try not to get in His way!  All Glory and Honor goes to Him for Who He is and for furthering His Kingdom!

January:            God revealed the plan for an actual ministry born out of the classes and mentoring opportunities that He had begun here in León over the past few years.  This new journey was officially named Living Grace Ministry. 

                        A house was made available for the Ministry to work from.  A lot of prayer was said over the landlord and negotiations, and God moved in a mighty way for the perfect place and His perfect choice in a leasing situation.  This all took place within weeks, not months like was anticipated. (Watch for the update for Living Grace House, coming soon.)

                        God provided the volunteer services of a ‘consultant’ (whom He placed in the right place at the right time) to get the vision on paper in an appropriate way to communicate the purpose of the mission.  Introductory documents were sent to key people for prayer and support.

February:            Vickie and Sofia (teenage, part-time housekeeper) moved into ‘Living Grace House’ on Feb 17^th!  We started addressing the beginning of a mountain of details to prepare the house for ministry.  (EVERYTHING needed to be touched in one way or another.)

                        Support to transform the ministry house began to pour in.  Material items began to be available.  (Even a sewing machine was delivered from the states!)  Furniture and appliances (some new and some used) for the house were starting to be purchased.

                        English Bible Study Group officially began weekly classes and carried on throughout all of the renovations.  (We had been meeting for devotions and prayer time until we moved into the house.)  Classes were held 3 times per week.

                        Many friends and acquaintances stopped by to welcome us here, learn about the ministry, give encouragement, to receive prayer and share about Jesus.

March:            Laborers began work on the house.  All walls (and most ceilings) inside and outside needed repair and prep for painting.  Plumbing issues were addressed and electrical work was begun. 

                        A missionary friend moved in for a couple of months.  We met many more of our neighbors.  The mother of our landlord passed away.

                        English classes were added twice a week.  And we had many visitors come by to learn more about the Ministry and to ask for prayer.

                        One of the rooms was prepared for a sweet translator friend who lives in Estelí and travels often to work in León throughout the year, and will be able to take advantage of God’s hospitality here at Living Grace House.

April:            Renovation work on the house continued daily for the most part of the month.  (quite a challenge in a third world country)

                        Vickie visited the States for 4 weeks to share the vision of Living Grace Ministry.  During that time, there were many earthquakes in this part of Nicaragua.  It was a difficult time for everyone.  Many businesses suffered, schools were closed for up to 6 weeks, and people were very frightened.  The government declared the cities on the Westside of the country to be in emergency status for weeks.  It was a difficult time to be away from the Ministry.

May:            Vickie returned to Nica on May 8^th.  A trip to PriceSmart (like Sam’s Club) helped to stock up on things needed at the house for the next few months.

The kitchen was renovated!  (What an undertaking!!!)  A used stove and used refrigerator were installed.  The smaller details of work throughout the house were completed.

                        A group of Pastors used the Ministry House for classes taught by a Korean missionary from Costa Rica.  (how’s that for international ministry!!)

                        Bible Study classes continued three times a week, English classes continued twice a week.  People continued to stop in for talks and prayer.

June:            The last day of the renovation was June 7^th!  Halleluah!  (In all, there were 8 different workmen, approx 800 man hours, 70 gallons of paint/ primer/ varnish, 140+ yards of fabric, 4 ceiling fans and 25 light fixtures, 2 kitchen sinks and 84sf of ceramic countertops were installed.  God had provided all we needed to get the house into as good of shape as possible.

Sewing Classes were started on June 10^th.   The Workroom is a wonderful blessing to the house!

Another missionary friend, Jalisa, moved in to one of the guest rooms for a season.

We welcomed a new part-time housekeeper, Regina, to take Sofia’s place.

It has been a very busy 6 months!  God has been so faithful in His direction and provision.  There have been many ups and downs, tears and joy, challenges and blessings.  Through it all we see His hand at work and want more than anything to remain obedient. 

All of the above details are just part of our Praise list.  Here are a few more Praises:

v Redeeming relationship with God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit

v Opportunities to serve and minister here in León

v Provision of the ministry house and all material blessings to make it work

v Teachers and Students interested and called to the classes

v Prayer partners and Support partners to lift up the ministry

v Network of ministries and missionaries in León to work with and encourage

Here are a few Prayer Requests to keep in mind for us:

v Protection from earthquakes, floods and mosquitoes (it’s the rainy season)

v Discernment in adding classes and scheduling the use of the ministry house

v Health and safety for all staff, volunteers, students and guests

v Continued financial provision to keep running month to month

v Resources for the sewing classes and Sources for marketing the goods

v Response of all who are called by God to be a part, in everyway, with the ministry

v Health and safety for Celina Undernehr, 2 week intern from FBCR serving in July

v Smart decisions for all regarding time management, health (spiritual & physical)

v Always watchful for opportunities to share the Gospel in anyway possible

v Blessings over the many ‘team members’ who support us in prayer and finances

If you would like more information about the ministry, please contact Vickie at vickiejocline@yahoo.com.  You can also follow us on Vickie’s blog:  vickiemir.blogspot.com

Donations may be made:

Ø  by mail or in person at FBC Rogers Church, 3364 W Pleasant Grove Rd, Rogers AR 72758 

Ø  on-line at fbcrogers.org. 

Be sure to note the donation is for Vickie Cline at Living Grace Ministry. 

(You will receive a tax report at the end of the year)

Be sure to watch for the update on Living Grace House, coming soon!  There will be lots of pictures to share!

¡Dios le Bendiga!

Vickie

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10

June 16 - July 13, 2014

As usual, time has gotten away from me.  I’m trying to keep Sunday afternoons my day for communication catch-up, but that doesn’t always happen.

Since the last post, Regina has started working and is doing a great job getting the house ready each morning for classes.  There is not as much work for her as most households ask (I don’t ask her to do laundry, ironing, cooking, etc.), so she gets done way before noon.  With the new classes starting on Saturdays, I’ll be asking her to come by on Saturday morning to do the dusting and floors before classes.  But that should only take an hour or so.  She’s still getting a good wage for the amount of work she is asked to do.  She’s been a blessing.

Looking back over my planner/journal, I see so many visits with people mixed amongst the scheduled class times.  It’s never a dull moment around here and I feel blessed to get to interact with so many wonderful people.

The classes are going well.  English Bible Study Group has pretty much concentrated on Fridays, morning and evening.  We’ll reserve the Monday evening slot for a new study starting in August.  We have about 10-15 students weekly in the Friday English Bible Study class.  It’s been very good.  I love having lots of discussion.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are sewing days.  We have had 2 ladies coming in the mornings.  We will add a new lady to the class this week.  Regina is staying after her work is finished to work on some things, too.  I have had a couple of other requests for sewing times.  Keeping Tuesdays and Thursdays slotted for sewing helps keep the week more organized.  It also keeps me from feeling guilty if I sew (and craft) all day on those days.  I love it. 

Currently, we are making lots of aprons and tote bags to be taken back to the states at the end of July.  These items will be part of a display at a friend’s shop and also will serve as inventory for future sales.  Enia is such a professional!  She has only been using an electric machine for about 5 weeks and she is very detailed oriented and she doesn’t skip a step, even pressing the seams.  (I skip many steps because I get in a hurry)  All of her aprons look so perfect!  I can’t wait to see them and give her the money!  She is going to save some of it to buy her very own machine!  Woohoo!  Zenelia is doing well with her style of aprons.  She is doing somewhat easier styles.  They are just as pretty.  Pilar will start class this week.  She knows how to sew on a machine, but doesn’t really know how to use a pattern and how to make changes and such.  It will be fun to work with her, too!

English classes are going well.  You never know who will be showing up at each class.  Everyone is hungry to learn, but schedules get in the way sometimes.  We adapt the lessons to whoever is here for the day.  Jacqueline and David are the teachers (David will be starting this week and will concentrate on more of the very beginning students.)  They will cover for each other when one cannot be here, and I will fill in when they both are absent.  We have a lot of fun with the English students.  It’s a great experience to get to work with people who are dedicated to learn.

We have a teenage intern named Celina coming this week.  She will stay for 2 weeks.  She will get to do a variety of things and get to see first hand what it is like to live here in Nica and be a fulltime missionary on a daily basis.  The house will be filled with girls (Jalisa, Sofia, Celina and me), so there will be lots of fun.  Jasmina could not be with us this week because of sickness.  She will be missed and I’m praying for her speedy recovery.  I hate that she will be missing a whole week of work.  Her jobs are seasonal and the season of teams coming from the US is almost over.

The fridge was repaired (the problem was not under the so-called warranty, of course).  Now it seems to run all of the time.  It freezes the stuff in the back and the front is not as cold.  I priced new fridges and they are so high here.  Oh well…  we’ll see what God has in store for us.  I hate to see the next electric bill!  But God has it under control and I’ll trust Him and look for His plan.

We haven’t had a lot of rain yet.  It is not good for the crops.  Even though rains cause problems with flooding the streets and leaks in the houses and such, we need rain.  I wish we could get some days of slow steady rain to soak up in the ground. 

Right now it is harvest time and the peanut fields are being harvested.  It creates so much dust in the air.  You can see huge dust clouds and the sky looks tan.  Soot and dust gets on EVERYTHING.  Since our houses are open to the outdoors, it’s impossible to keep them clean.  We clean the floors sometimes twice a day and that still is not enough.  Everything here is kept in plastic containers if possible.  It’s much easier to clean the lid of a plastic container than to wash fabrics, books, clothes, etc all of the time. 

I thank God every time I get to use the washing machine and I love being able to hang up clothes on the back patio since Wil poured the concrete floor.  What a blessing that is!  One of Celina’s jobs (along with the sons of a missionary friend) is to paint the walls surrounding the back patio.  Then I’ll have a friend paint a mural on the back wall.  I will enjoy seeing Jesus on the wall every time I’m doing laundry. 

I’m trying to behave myself with what I eat and getting exercise.  As always, it is easier to fit all that in on some days than others.  But I’m making a little progress.  We are not making as many heavy meals as before.  Sometimes we just snack.  There are veggies and fruits available.  They are expensive, but usually available.  I’ve been cooking meat in the crockpot and it is delicious and chewable! 

Well, I think that covers the last few weeks.  Each week seems the same (classes, prep for classes, visiting with people), but each week is different.  I love getting to live here and serve in this way.  It gets hard sometimes and I grow weary often, but my God is everything to me and I get my strength from Him.    I’m a lucky girl!

June 8-15, 2014

Sunday morning, I was still very sick and decided to stay home from church to rest and hopefully get my body starting to heal with the antibiotics.  Sofia was under the weather and Jasmina was tired from a busy work week and needed to wash clothes.  So we opted to stay home and I made some pancakes for breakfast.  Then I was planning on going right back to bed.  Wil came over to pick up his tools.  We offered him a pancake and while we were eating, he started talking to me about the Trinity and false doctrine and lots of stuff.  He has a very limited and conservative background.  We ended up talking until 1pm and I finally got to go to bed for a nap! 

I had some new requests for info about the ministry, so I got some emails sent out.  We had new students in all classes.  Sewing class began with Enia (Wil’s wife), who is a natural and will be making all kinds of things soon to support her family.  How exciting to see her going at it!

We’ve had some adjustments to the responsibilities of the those living in the house.  I hired a new housekeeper, Regina, who will start next week.  She will come early and get all of the cleaning for the front rooms done by 9am and then finish up the back by noon.  It will be great to have it done quickly and well.  Sofia will be in charge of the gardens and patios and taking out the trash 3 times a week.  This will allow Sofia to attend some of the classes here, as well as study for her Saturday classes at school. 

Jacqueline has been doing a great job teaching the English classes, but now has a temporary job for the next 2 weeks.  So I’ll be teaching the English classes as well.  I imagine that Jacqueline will get offers for more jobs in the future, so I’m not sure what her availability will be to the ministry in the future.  She loves volunteering here and teaching and helping with the ministry.  But sometimes, responsibilities of life interfere with ministry desires.  I’ll be praying for her as she has lots of decisions to make for her future.

I’ve felt a lot better toward the end of the week.  The antibiotics finally kicked in and I actually got a little rest.  I need to make it more of a point to take care of myself.  Especially, since I will be teaching 7 classes in 5 days for each of the next 2 weeks!

We had sweet Annabelle (3 months old) over for Jalisa to babysit on Saturday morning.  Erika had brought baby Ashly (2 months old) over on Friday.  Tamara and I went to visit Fernando (6 weeks old) on Saturday morning.  And baby Ilia (3 months old) is our neighbor who visits on occasion.  Babies everywhere!!!

We have lost power off and on over the last few days.  It’s not fun to lose the fans.  But I’m thankful that they it back up and running sometime the same day.  I hope we don’t lose power on Sewing Class days!

I bought a really nice sewing book from Regina on credit.  (it’s a little business of hers to sell books on credit).  I’ll pay $7 per month.  She was very professional when she wrote up the contract.  The book covers everything about sewing and it is all in Spanish.  Woohoo!  It even has patterns and instructions for making men’s suits and women’s clothing, including wedding dresses!  It will be a good resource in our library here.

Today is Father’s Day in the states.  I’ve enjoyed seeing everyone’s posts on Facebook.  

After church today, Jalisa and I went to Charlie’s BBQ restaurant.  It was really great!  It’s owned by a Cuban guy and they call it typical Texas BBQ.  It was yummy. 

Bad news today…  the used fridge I bought is dyeing after just one month.  The person I bought it from is trying to contact the repair guy who looked it over and adjusted it before I bought it.  Supposedly his work is guaranteed.  But then again, what does that mean exactly here in Nica???  Thankfully, I had not felt God leading me to sell the little fridge yet, so we moved all the food over to it this evening.  I may be having to buy a new large fridge.  If so, I hope the used one is fixed well enough to sell it for a little money and I’ll sell the smaller fridge, too, and hope to not need a lot of extra money for the new big fridge.  God always provides, so I will wait and see how He directs. 

Well, it’s been such a wonderful week of ministry, despite sickness and other problems.  I’m so thankful and humbled to be living here and serving.  I can’t imagine my life doing anything else.  He is worthy!